How do you keep hormone levels balanced as you age?

[bobcat]

It's probably no secret to anyone that our hormone levels change as we age, which can have many effects on us.
Some of them don't change all that much, but others can change dramatically over the years.
When they get out of whack, it can manifest itself in undesirable ways, including dominance by one hormone or the other.
Some people turn to hormone replacement therapy in pill form, and some prefer to make dietary changes, and some incorporate lifestyle and fitness routines.
What has helped you to keep hormone levels balanced?
If it's supplements you take, which type works best for you?
If it's diet, what foods do you eat, and which do you avoid?
What exercises do you do that affect hormones?
Other methods not mentioned?

 

[oldaunt]

Avoiding sugar and processed foods while eating a balanced diet with lots of fiber has worked for me.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

Eating an anti inflammatory diet helps along with things like apple cider vinegar and virgin unprocessed coconut oil.

Evening primrose oil, black cohash, Siberian ginseng as well as raspberry leaf

 

[bobcat]

Eating an anti inflammatory diet helps along with things like apple cider vinegar and virgin unprocessed coconut oil.

Evening primrose oil, black cohash, Siberian ginseng as well as raspberry leaf

Very interesting, but what do those food elements do to specific hormones (Cortisol, melatonin, estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, insulin, leptin, ghrelin, etc...). Do they raise, lower, block, etc.... I'm actually a newbie to this, so just wondering and trying to learn.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

Very interesting, but what do those food elements do to specific hormones (Cortisol, melatonin, estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, insulin, leptin, ghrelin, etc...). Do they raise, lower, block, etc.... I'm actually a newbie to this, so just wondering and trying to learn.

Apparently they help slow down the loss of estrogen for aging woman. If not mistaken Seabreeze used Red Raspberry and happyflowerlady used holistic supplements also. Some women chose conventional methods.

 

[Wayne]

My best friend and neighbor assists per topic often.

 

[NewlySenior]

I've just started taking Ashwagandha, supposed to be good for cortisol, inflammation and stress/anxiety. Has anyone else tried it and had it help?

Benefits of Ashwagandha and How Much To Take

 

[bobcat]

Apparently they help slow down the loss of estrogen for aging woman. If not mistaken Seabreeze used Red Raspberry and happyflowerlady used holistic supplements also. Some women chose conventional methods.

Okay, thanks. It seems to be a very complex field, and a bit confusing, but it seems worth investigating.

 

[dilettante]

Some of these require caution. In some cases once "replacement therapy" begins your body stops producing those hormones almost entirely. In effect you become dependent on the replacement for the rest of your life. Stopping treatment might be catastrophic.

 

[bobcat]

I've just started taking Ashwagandha, supposed to be good for cortisol, inflammation and stress/anxiety. Has anyone else tried it and had it help?

Benefits of Ashwagandha and How Much To Take

I had read the same thing, and even made a note of it, but since stress in my life is minimal, I didn't think I really needed it, but it does seem to have a following.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

Okay, thanks. It seems to be a very complex field, and a bit confusing, but it seems worth investigating.

It’s definitely worth investigating. Some people’s insurance covers holistic healing
Naturopath Doctor, massage therapy, chiropractor, nutritionist, acupuncture, physiotherapy.

A Naturopathic doctor or nutritionist should be able to help you.

 

[bobcat]

Some of these require caution. In some cases once "replacement therapy" begins your body stops producing those hormones almost entirely. In effect you become dependent on the replacement for the rest of your life. Stopping treatment might be catastrophic.

I hadn't considered that, but if true, that may be a good reason to lean towards foods that the body can use to make the hormones it needs, rather than take supplements. However, I do take a couple vitamins that the ageing body doesn't produce as much of as it should such as vitamin D. If you have a link to that info, I would enjoy reading it.

 

[oldaunt]

Some of these require caution. In some cases once "replacement therapy" begins your body stops producing those hormones almost entirely. In effect you become dependent on the replacement for the rest of your life. Stopping treatment might be catastrophic.

Yes. Much easier and safer to balance a clean diet.

 

[oldaunt]

I hadn't considered that, but if true, that may be a good reason to lean towards foods that the body can use to make the hormones it needs, rather than take supplements. However, I do take a couple vitamins that the ageing body doesn't produce as much of as it should such as vitamin D. If you have a link to that info, I would enjoy reading it.

Spending 20 minutes a day or so outside with some skin exposed gets you all the D you need.

 

[Murrmurr]

Hormonal changes occur during our entire lives. It's normal.

Unless one of the organs in your body that secretes hormones gets sick - thyroid, liver, hypothalamus, etc - hormonal changes are nothing to worry about.

 

[dilettante]

I didn't go back and dig through all of it again, but you can find a lot of information about hormone therapies. Examples:

Risks of testosterone replacement therapy in men

Is testosterone therapy safe? Take a breath before you take the plunge - Harvard Health

Testosterone Replacement Therapy: Is It Right For You? - Urology Care Foundation

TRT is a life-long treatment. If you stop taking it, your testosterone levels will drop. Some men with low-T decide not to be treated. They may find other ways to increase their energy level, or they may decide to live with the changes in their sexual desire and body.

There seems to be a mythology in vogue that pharmacological measures are suspect but "natural" sources are magically benign. This isn't true, or I should say that the reality is more complex.

 

[bobcat]

Spending 20 minutes a day or so outside with some skin exposed gets you all the D you need.

I guess I had been reading that a good percentage of adults are vitamin D deficient, and the percentage rises with age, as our bodies are not as good at metabolizing it from natural sources. However, maybe just spending extra time in the sun without over doing it may be helpful.

 

[bobcat]

Hormonal changes occur during our entire lives. It's normal.

Unless one of the organs in your body that secretes hormones gets sick - thyroid, liver, hypothalamus, etc - hormonal changes are nothing to worry about.

Just to clarify, is it your view that even though we lose about 10% of our testosterone every decade after about 30 or 40, that we should just accept it, or look for foods that might boost it?

 

[bobcat]

I didn't go back and dig through all of it again, but you can find a lot of information about hormone therapies. Examples:

Risks of testosterone replacement therapy in men

Is testosterone therapy safe? Take a breath before you take the plunge - Harvard Health

Testosterone Replacement Therapy: Is It Right For You? - Urology Care Foundation



There seems to be a mythology in vogue that pharmacological measures are suspect but "natural" sources are magically benign. This isn't true, or I should say that the reality is more complex.

Interesting reading, and it echoes what I was thinking about it. TRT comes with risks, and it's something people may want to avoid. Personally, I will stick to strength training and foods that supply it naturally. My body can decide for itself how much is needed. Thanks for the articles.

 

[dilettante]

As far as I could ever determine TRT is valuable for a small proportion of men. For the rest of us things like maintaining a low BMI, not smoking, limiting caffeine, avoiding Type 2 diabetes, etc. are the only real path.

I couldn't find a single reputable voice suggesting any magical properties of special diets. If anything, vegetarianism and veganism can do active harm without hypervigilant monitoring and replacement for nutritional elements only found in dairy, eggs, and meat (in any significant amounts that are readily metabolized). Worse yet, some of the supplements vegheads use are just excreted and very little gets absorbed and they may even damage kidneys.

Stay off the fad train. You might want a referral to an Endocrinologist.

 

[Lilac]

You may find this link of interest: Pellets FAQ - Millennium Wellness Center
It's where my husband & I go. You may find someone in your area who does this type of replacement.

I also believe in eating good food & watching my diet. I take certain supplements & vitamins for a few issues I have & found that they do work for me. I found these through my acupuncturist & my doctors. But with that being said, what works for one person may not work for another.

I'm always reading the free magazines at the health food store, but I also remember these are being put out by the manufactures. They do have interesting information that you can look up on-line & see what other sources have to say.

 

[oldaunt]

I guess I had been reading that a good percentage of adults are vitamin D deficient, and the percentage rises with age, as our bodies are not as good at metabolizing it from natural sources. However, maybe just spending extra time in the sun without over doing it may be helpful.

Most older people just don't spend much time outdoors any more. And actually, there are fewer problems with low D than you are led to believe. Can't sell it if you don't push it.

 

[oldaunt]

As far as I could ever determine TRT is valuable for a small proportion of men. For the rest of us things like maintaining a low BMI, not smoking, limiting caffeine, avoiding Type 2 diabetes, etc. are the only real path.

I couldn't find a single reputable voice suggesting any magical properties of special diets. If anything, vegetarianism and veganism can do active harm without hypervigilant monitoring and replacement for nutritional elements only found in dairy, eggs, and meat (in any significant amounts that are readily metabolized). Worse yet, some of the supplements vegheads use are just excreted and very little gets absorbed and they may even damage kidneys.

Stay off the fad train. You might want a referral to an Endocrinologist.

Don't need a special diet, just a balanced one.

 

[Warrigal]

Hormonal changes occur during our entire lives. It's normal.

Unless one of the organs in your body that secretes hormones gets sick - thyroid, liver, hypothalamus, etc - hormonal changes are nothing to worry about.

My thoughts exactly.

I don't worry about my hormones, although if my thyroid gland were to act up I would certainly like that investigated. Ditto my adrenal glands. Otherwise, I rely on my GP to interpret my 6 monthly blood tests.

So far, so good.

 

[bobcat]

As far as I could ever determine TRT is valuable for a small proportion of men. For the rest of us things like maintaining a low BMI, not smoking, limiting caffeine, avoiding Type 2 diabetes, etc. are the only real path.

I couldn't find a single reputable voice suggesting any magical properties of special diets. If anything, vegetarianism and veganism can do active harm without hypervigilant monitoring and replacement for nutritional elements only found in dairy, eggs, and meat (in any significant amounts that are readily metabolized). Worse yet, some of the supplements vegheads use are just excreted and very little gets absorbed and they may even damage kidneys.

Stay off the fad train. You might want a referral to an Endocrinologist.

Yeah, I'm not one much for diets, unless they are needed for health reasons. I have been fortunate to be in good health, not gained any weight, don't smoke, and eat a well-balanced regimen of food, and get plenty of exercise, so everything is fine. I was mostly curious about what others have employed to keep hormones in balance, and learning things for myself as well.